Best Credit Card for Pep Boys in 2026
Pep Boys is classified under MCC 5533 (Automotive Parts, Accessories Stores). The best card for Pep Boys purchases is the Active Cash (no annual fee), earning 2x on automotive parts, accessories stores — an effective return of 2.00%.
Automotive parts and accessories stores like Pep Boys are great for car owners who need to maintain or upgrade their vehicles. Most travel and dining cards don't cover this category, but it's often included in broader rewards categories.
Check if your rewards card offers bonus points for automotive purchases during specific times of the year at Pep Boys.
Spending Math
If you spend $200 a month on auto parts at Pep Boys with a flat 2% cash back card, you earn $4 per month ($48 annually) compared to just $2 per month ($24 annually) with a basic 1% cash back card.
Pep Boys purchases are classified under MCC 5533 (Automotive Parts, Accessories Stores).
MCC Details for Pep Boys
Best Credit Cards for Pep Boys (2026)
How Pep Boys Codes on Your Statement
When you pay at Pep Boys at their locations, your card issuer sees MCC 5533 in the transaction data. This code tells your bank that the purchase was made at a automotive parts, accessories stores merchant. Bonus reward rates on your card apply based on this MCC — not the merchant name itself.
If your card earns bonus points on "automotive parts, accessories stores" purchases, Pep Boys transactions will qualify — even if your card terms only mention a category name and not Pep Boys specifically. The key is that the MCC matches your card's bonus category definition.
You can verify the MCC on any Pep Boys transaction by checking your card's mobile app or statement. Some issuers display the merchant category alongside the transaction details. For the most accurate information, contact your card issuer's customer service and ask whether MCC 5533 qualifies for bonus rewards.
Bonus Category Match — Pep Boys
About MCC 5533: Automotive Parts, Accessories Stores
Merchant Category Code 5533 is assigned by card networks (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover) to classify businesses in the Automotive Parts, Accessories Stores industry. Issuers use MCCs to determine which transactions qualify for bonus reward rates. When a merchant is assigned MCC 5533, all qualifying card programs that include automotive parts, accessories stores as a bonus category will apply the elevated earn rate.
The Retail industry group encompasses several related MCCs. Not all merchants in a similar business will share the same MCC — for example, a grocery store inside a warehouse club may code as wholesale ({"5300"}) rather than grocery ({"5411"}). Always verify with your issuer if you're unsure whether a specific merchant qualifies for bonus rewards on your card.
Other Automotive Parts, Accessories Stores merchants: Advance Auto Parts, AutoZone, NAPA Auto Parts.
What You Could Earn at Pep Boys
Spending $200/month at Pep Boys with the Active Cash (2x on automotive parts, accessories stores) earns approximately $48/year in rewards. A basic 1% card earns $24 on the same spending. That is $24 more per year with no annual fee.
Prefer no annual fee? The Signify Business Cash earns 2x at Pep Boys merchants, earning $48/year with no annual fee.